Fighter of the Destiny

Fighter of the Destiny

2017 • Drama
Chun Changsheng was abandoned in a flowing river and plucked up by a Taoist monk. He’s actually the fourth Prince of the Chen’s Royal bloodline. He’s plagued with an incurable illness, fated not to live past the age of 20. To find a cure, he leaves his temple, armed with a promise of marriage scroll, to become a student at a famous academy. He meets Xu Yourong and they slowly fall in love after hopping through the trials and tribulations of his journey.

Why you should read the novel

The original novel, Way of Choices by Mao Ni, offers a deeply immersive and expansive world-building experience that surpasses the limitations of any screen adaptation. Through its intricate plots, richly drawn characters, and nuanced political and mystical complexities, readers are transported into a world that rewards imagination and introspection. The novel provides internal monologues and motivations that deepen your connection to the protagonists and their journey. Unlike the TV series, the source novels delve into philosophical themes and moral dilemmas, allowing for a more profound understanding of fate, ambition, and self-discovery. Every page is filled with cultural wisdom and metaphorical storytelling, encouraging readers to reflect on life’s choices alongside the characters. The prose, filled with delicate descriptions, brings to life stunning landscapes and magical encounters that are often glossed over in adaptations. Fans of fantasy literature will find endless enjoyment in the carefully constructed lore and elaborate cultivation system of the novel. By reading Way of Choices, you’ll experience the author’s authentic vision, unfiltered and richly textured, with a plot that unfolds at its own perfect pace rather than being compressed or altered for television.

Adaptation differences

One of the most notable differences between the TV adaptation Fighter of the Destiny and the novel Way of Choices is the simplification of the plot and character development. The series often condenses or omits complex storylines, making the narrative more straightforward and accessible for a broader audience. This results in certain characters’ motivations being less explored, and some side plots, which add depth in the book, being abandoned or resolved quickly on screen. Another significant change lies in the portrayal of romantic relationships. The TV series places a much stronger emphasis on romance, often altering character dynamics or adding romantic tension that was subtle or non-existent in the books. These changes are made to cater to popular trends in television, sometimes at the expense of the original themes of self-cultivation and destiny. Additionally, the adaptation incorporates visual spectacle and dramatic action sequences that, while entertaining, can overshadow key philosophical elements present in the novel. The internal struggles, nuanced strategies, and slow personal growth depicted across many chapters in the book are frequently replaced by direct confrontations or visually impressive battles that speed up character progression. Lastly, the ending and progression of key events are adapted for the television format, leading to modified timelines and the reordering or exclusion of critical plot points. This reshaping often shifts the tone of the story, reducing the subtlety and introspective qualities that distinguish Mao Ni’s original narrative, and replacing them with a focus on rapid dramatic resolution more suited to episodic viewing.

Fighter of the Destiny inspired from

Way of Choices
by Mao Ni